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on business and work . The survey found that 70 % of workers want AI to help with workloads , especially with administrative tasks , finding information , summarizing meetings , and planning their day .
striking the right balance
Many have raised concerns about AI and potential misuse , including privacy and copyright issues , algorithmic bias , and doctored images and videos called “ deepfakes .”
Over the 60-day session , AWB urged legislators to review and consider existing laws before creating AI-specific rules .
“ You don ’ t need to necessarily have a new law just because there ’ s a new technology ,” Battles said .
Employment and labor , anti-discrimination , plagiarism , character defamation , and intellectual property laws already offer strong protections , he explains .
Sometimes , lawmakers can update laws to reflect new AI concerns . For example , House Bill 1999 fixed a loophole that made it difficult to prosecute those who create and share AI-generated explicit images .
Caroline Mullet , the daughter of Sen . Mark Mullet , testified in support of the bill , explaining that a classmate used AI to alter photos of her and her friends to make them appear nude . “ I hate the idea that I should have to worry about this happening again to any of my female friends , my sisters or even myself ,” she said . The bill , which passed unanimously , bans these “ deepfake ” explicit images .
There were two other proposals for AI rules : a bill to regulate employers ’ use of AI to protect employees ( Senate Bill 6299 ) and a bill to prohibit the use of AI algorithms that result in discrimination ( House Bill 1951 ).
AWB testified that both bills were premature and could have unintended consequences , such as restricting how employers use automated tools for resume screening . Neither bill was brought to the floor for a vote .
Zack Kass , a longtime leader in the artificial intelligence field , spoke during the 2023 AWB Policy Summit in Spokane .
AWB believed the best approach was a task force to study these issues , rather than immediate regulation . “ You need to be very methodical in this process ,” Battles said .
‘ a force for good ’
The task force will begin work later this year , with a preliminary report due to the governor ’ s office and Legislature by Dec . 31 , 2024 and a final report by July 1 , 2026 .
The 20-member group will review existing laws and provide recommendations for AI applications — particularly those with high-risk implications for public safety — and consider strategies for public education and preserving racial equity and civil liberties . It will also discuss privacy and security , opportunities to support innovation , legal remedies , and other topics .
In January , legislators spoke with AWB members about artificial intelligence at AWB ’ s 2024 Legislative Day & Hill Climb . Rep . Travis Couture , R-Allyn , sponsor of the House ’ s AI task force bill , said his goal is to build legislators ’ understanding of AI rather than regulate it too quickly .
“ It ’ s imperative that any regulations introduced support economic opportunity , foster innovation , and encourage entrepreneurship while minimizing adverse effects .”
— Kelly Fukai , chief operating officer , Washington Technology Industry Association
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